Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Don’t Throw Out Water-logged Documents
10/3/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO can help you recover sensitive documents.
After a fire or a flood, your house or business is probably a mess. Not only is there structural damage, but you now realize you have books and important paper documents that are soaked. How will you get these items dried and restored?
SERVPRO is here to help. We are trained and certified in document drying and restoration and can help in stopping the damage from getting worse. Time is of the essence as the longer the documents are soaked or charred, the faster they will deteriorate.
Our technicians box up your damaged items and have them sent to our Document Restoration Team. We have special vacuum freeze-drying technology to salvage your items books and/or paper records. We use the same technique the Library of Congress uses to dry water-damaged books.
Vacuum freeze drying is the most effective way to revive water-damaged documents and is called sublimation — a technique that turns the moisture in the object directly into vapor, skipping the liquid stage to avoid causing more damage. The process can recover even the most delicate items — from documents to photographs and X-rays, to entire business archives. Our Document Restoration Team employees are HIPAA master certified and, once your items arrive at our SERVPRO facility, they are under 24/7 video surveillance to ensure safety.
And if your items may have been exposed to a Category 3 situation (sewage or flood water), we put the items through gamma irradiation, which is a process that cleans and disinfects the documents. This decontamination eliminates all types of bacteria at the molecular level, causing the death of any organisms. And the gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity on to your items.
SERVPRO understands how important it is to preserve important documents and our line of services ensures that you don’t have to worry about what happens to your paper assets when disaster strikes.
If you need sensitive materials restored, contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589.
You Can Rely on SERVPRO
8/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is available 24/7 to take care of a small or large cleanup.
Why You Should Choose SERVPRO?
SERVPRO franchise professionals blend customer service and accountability with proven methods of mitigating damage after a loss. We use the highest quality equipment, including our online reporting system to help our staff work faster and more efficiently.
We Do the Work
When you experience a loss, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours cleaning up, or on the phone trying to get help. SERVPRO of Alachua County West/Gainesville West would be happy to take that stress from you and take care of everything. You can rely on us to take care of all the little details.
We are highly trained and capable of handling any job. Whether your toilet overflowed, your building caught fire, or you just need your carpets cleaned, SERVPRO will take care of it!
You Can Rely on SERVPRO
8/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is available 24/7 to take care of a small or large cleanup.
Why You Should Choose SERVPRO?
SERVPRO franchise professionals blend customer service and accountability with proven methods of mitigating damage after a loss. We use the highest quality equipment, including our online reporting system to help our staff work faster and more efficiently.
We Do the Work
When you experience a loss, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours cleaning up, or on the phone trying to get help. SERVPRO of Alachua County West/Gainesville West would be happy to take that stress from you and take care of everything. You can rely on us to take care of all the little details.
We are highly trained and capable of handling any job. Whether your toilet overflowed, your building caught fire, or you just need your carpets cleaned, SERVPRO will take care of it!
You Can Rely on SERVPRO
8/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is available 24/7 to take care of a small or large cleanup.
Why You Should Choose SERVPRO?
SERVPRO franchise professionals blend customer service and accountability with proven methods of mitigating damage after a loss. We use the highest quality equipment, including our online reporting system to help our staff work faster and more efficiently.
We Do the Work
When you experience a loss, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours cleaning up, or on the phone trying to get help. SERVPRO of Alachua County West/Gainesville West would be happy to take that stress from you and take care of everything. You can rely on us to take care of all the little details.
We are highly trained and capable of handling any job. Whether your toilet overflowed, your building caught fire, or you just need your carpets cleaned, SERVPRO will take care of it!
SERVPRO Should Be Your Restoration Company
8/10/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help 24/7.
Catastrophes never happen at an opportune time. An unseen pipe joint in a bathroom wall bursts, unleashing gallons of water throughout your business. A leaky hose under a sink gradually soaks the cabinets, leading to a major mold issue.
In that moment of panic after the fire is extinguished, the water flow is stopped and the mold is discovered, the next decision is, “who is going to get this fixed and make my disaster "Like it never even happened". so I can get back to life as normal?”
Timeliness
The first thing you want is someone who can be contacted at any time of the day to make sure your problem is addressed immediately. SERVPRO follows the 1-4-8 guidelines of arranging service in less than an hour of receiving your call. And in less than four hours, a SERVPRO technician will be on-site to start the mitigation services (if emergency services are necessary). And in less than eight business hours, your insurance adjuster will be given a verbal briefing as to the scope of your project. The faster a disaster is addressed, the quicker it can be restored and less damage will occur.
Experience
SERVPRO has been in the mitigation business for more than 50 years and has the knowledge, equipment and manpower to tackle any size project. SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West always has a crew on standby and, if needed, we can attain more boots on the ground depending on the size of the disaster.
Remember, this is the same restoration company that not only handles hurricanes and other inclement weather damage, but we are also the ones who were called when the Pentagon was attacked on September 11. We have also worked on several military bases, for Universal Studios, Disneyworld, NASA and Coca-Cola.
Professionalism
SERVPRO trains its technicians in how to best handle every situation, to use the most up-to-date equipment and restore your home or business quickly and efficiently. We will keep you informed every step of the way by providing electronic file documentation to both you and your insurance adjuster that includes the job estimate, cause of loss and proof of results.
Why Should You Choose SERVPRO?
3/23/2022 (Permalink)
When you need compassionate, honest, hard-working people, just remember SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West.
Because..
When you call and need help, we respond quickly because we care.
When you have questions, we respond with kindness and respect, because we care.
When you don't know what to do, we are here to help, because we care.
SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West cares about you and your home or business. Our team is dedicated to making sure every job is done with the best products and services. All of our customers are important and will be treated with the upmost respect.
Taking care of disasters is hard work, but so rewarding. Every time we are finished and get to see someone smile, it makes all that hard work worth it.
We care because we want to. When you need compassionate, honest, hard-working people, just remember SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West.
Why Choose SERVPRO? Here What Our Customers Have to Say
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
We are here to serve our community, 24/7. This is one of the reasons we were named a small business finalist by our local chamber of commerce.
As a locally, family owned and operated Gainesville cleaning/restoration business, quality work and customer satisfaction are top priorities for us here at SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua County West. We have been helping our community with certified mold remediation, emergency fire and water damage cleanup, and commercial/residential cleanings for more than 14 years.
Most often, we meet customers in moments of crisis, when their homes or businesses have been damaged by fire, flooding, or mold, and we appreciate it when customers choose us and trust us to take care of their biggest assets. We take great pride in working efficiently without sacrificing quality work, to make it "Like it never even happened."
And here’s what our customers have to say about working with us:
“Was lied to from another water restoration company, got a second opinion from SERVPRO. They were honest and showed the moisture readings. The other company showed no readings and wanted approval to cut out most of the drywall….Be careful who you put your confidence in. I would recommend this company!”
“The crew at SERVPRO are great. Recently at our hotel, we had an incident with a sprinkler that caused damage to several rooms. They arrived in a timely manner with a game plan and clear knowledge of how to take care of this type of problem. It was a stressful situation since it was such a busy night and they were professional the whole time, and had us back to normal in just a few days.”
“SERVPRO is a locally owned company that treats everyone like they are family! They are sensitive to the timeliness of these emergencies and will ensure you get your home back to your ‘home’ again!”
“Amazing company to work with! Professional, reliable, trustworthy, honest, educated and friendly. We love working with this company on their mold remediation projects. We have seen their workmanship and absolutely have no complaints. When you hire this company, you won’t be disappointed!”
“I highly recommend SERVPRO of Alachua County West. This company is run by two people that know the meaning of integrity and know how to take care of their employees, which translates to their employees having integrity and the employee always doing the right thing when it comes to taking care of their customers. I encourage any business or homeowner to reach out to SERVPRO of Alachua County West for any mitigation, restoration, or cleaning need they might have.”
Water Damage? Choose the Best Water Restoration Company
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
When water damage happens, the faster the response, the better. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West has you covered. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, arriving quickly and starting the water extraction process almost immediately.
When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of damage.
We also have the most experienced, highly trained technicians available to help. During this stressful time, you need an expert to guide you through this crisis. Our customer-focused professionals will assess the residential water damage to your property. Then, we’ll help you understand the severity of the damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Their training is focused on restoring salvageable items, accelerating drying time while documenting the entire restoration process.
Our highly trained people use the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water. This ensures we remove the water faster. We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.
We have more than 50 years of experience in repair and restoration so you can trust us to help you develop a water damage restoration plan to help ensure your home is clean, dry and restored to its pre-damaged condition.
We are also here to help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.
We can handle both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and money.
We are the premier water damage restoration company in the U.S. and Canada. When you choose SERVPRO you can trust that your home or business is in good hands.
We live and work in this community. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency.
Mold Facts and Why SERVPRO is Your Best Option
10/1/2021 (Permalink)
If you smell mildew or see what appears to be mold, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO to help fix your problem.
You have most likely heard about mold damage in homes, or even noticed signs of fungal growth in your own home. It is a fact that at some point most householders find themselves facing a dark green or black patch of growth which they need to remediate.
We are all familiar with the unpleasant musty smell of mold. SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West is your local remediation expert and we are also passionate about providing education to homeowners.
Here are 5 facts we think you should know.
- Mold is already in your home whether you can see it or not. Many people do not realize that mold is everywhere. The fungus is a naturally occurring organism throughout nature. Because the spores are impossible to see with the naked eye, you do not always see mold’s presence, but it is there.
- Moisture is the leading cause of fungal problems in the home. Mold requires water to grow, which is why it is common in basements, bathrooms, water heater areas, and laundry rooms. SERVPRO remediation experts have moisture probes and meters on hand to measure the dampness and pinpoint potential underlying problems.
- Bleach does not kill mold. It is a popular myth that bleach is the best way to kill the fungus. However, bleach should not be your go-to remedy. The moisture content of bleach can make growth worse, and bleach only clears away the surface evidence but does not treat the underlying problem.
- Mold can be useful. It was mold which helped Alexander Fleming develop Penicillin, which is one of the most trusted and commonly used antibiotics on the market today. There is even some evidence that ancient cultures such as the Egyptians used mold as a health remedy. Of course, even though mold can be useful, you do not want colonies growing in your home and that is why it is essential to call SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West at the first sign of mold outbreak.
- Dehumidification and proper ventilation are the best way to prevent mold. Investing in a dehumidifier and keeping the humidity in your home below 60 percent, if possible. We also suggest keeping your home well ventilated.
And if you encounter a potential mold scenario, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today and we can give you the step-by-step process on what needs to take place at 352-374-6589.
Choosing Restoration Experts Is Important
8/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has relationships with most insurance agencies nationwide. Ask you agent today if they do business with us.
No home or business owner likes to experience a flood or fire scenario where they need our services, but the reality is that disaster occurs more frequently that you might think. And at those times, it is critical to find support and help from restoration experts like SERVPRO.
What we do is different from picking up a mop and bucket and cleaning. Our technicians work on projects that require expertise and precision. We work on restoration projects intended to get a residence or commercial business back to its original state. That means we must understand how problems like fire and water damage work and then use that information to build individualized plans that can be completed with our advanced technology.
Insurance Claims Are Common
Experts explain that homeowner’s insurance claims are common. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one in 20 homeowners will file home damage this year. The statistic includes all causes of damage and doesn’t separate the claims based on whether they need restoration services.
Other statistics about individual types of disasters and issues state that one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage claim, and about one out of every 350 American homeowners must file a claim for fire damage. Fire damage claims can include everything from lightning strikes to appliance fires.
When you think about the United States’ entire population, that statistic translates to millions of families. Some of these people will need to get help from a professional team. That’s when choosing a quality restoration company will make all the difference for you.
Training Is Crucial
SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West provides a high level of service in various ways. They include our local availability, our 24/7 staffing, and the quality of technicians and equipment we offer. Our highly trained technicians set us apart.
Our technicians receive certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This non-profit group provides various certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians can use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.
And when you choose your local SERVPRO, these restoration experts will take the knowledge they’ve gained through our intensive training programs and use it to restore your home.
So if your home or business gets struck by water, fire, or mold damage, help is just a phone call away. Contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West at 352-374-6589 to make your tragedy “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO Takes Pride in Our Alachua County Community Involvement
6/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua County West is proud to be a locally owned/owner operated franchise location serving the North Central Florida region for emergency fire/water/mold damage restoration and cleaning services. We are owned by husband-wife team Mark and Becky Raymond and our production team is led by their son, Jason. As a family business, we strive to give back to our local community, not just as business owners, but with various charities, sponsorships and networking programs.
When you choose SERVPRO, you are supporting a business that is deeply rooted in the Gainesville area. Co-owner Mark Raymond is a Gator grad and he and his wife enjoy giving back to the community, especially over this past year when life was turned upside during the pandemic. We were able to turn a hardship into an opportunity to give back, one example being when we provided free drive through vehicle disinfection services to first responders in the surrounding counties.
Two local organizations that we've been active with for years are the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Jonesville Chamber of Commerce. Becky currently serves in a leadership position at the Newberry Jonesville chamber and we sponsor the Gainesville Chamber's annual DrinkGNV events - follow us on our Facebook page to see the upcoming events we are sponsoring!
These Chamber networking events are a great opportunity to showcase and collaborate with our fellow local businesses. We are also committed to continually improving our business, and both groups provide development and education opportunities that we have taken advantage of so we can better grow our business and serve our customers.
When you face an unexpected disaster impacting your biggest asset, we hope you will think of us at SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua County West. Our slogan is "Not just a BRAND you can trust, but a FAMILY you can trust. Water damage, fire damage, mold... We make it "Like it never even happened."
We are invested in our community and want to do the best job possible when our fellow neighbors or local businesses face an emergency, so give us a call at 352-374-6589, 24/7/365!
SERVPRO Named the #1 Cleaning & Restoration Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine
3/10/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has been the No. 1 restoration company for 21 straight years.
We love when we get to share great news with you! SERVPRO kicked off the new year with the honor of being named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's top 10 franchises overall and earned the #1 spot in our category, the cleaning and restoration industry, for the 21st year in a row. What an exciting way to start 2021!
What does this mean for you as a customer? When you choose SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua West for fire/water/mold damage restoration, or hire us for your carpet, air duct, or commercial/residential cleaning, you are getting the best of both worlds. We combine the passion and pride in our work that comes from being a local owner with the resources of a national franchise.
We have been locally owned and operated by Mark and Becky Raymond for the past 14 years, so we are committed to serving the greater Gainesville/Alachua area both professionally and as community members. Becky currently serves as the President of the Newberry Jonesville Chamber of Commerce and we're active with the Greater Gainesville Chamber.
At the same time, we have the resources and training that come from being part of the SERVPRO brand, the #1 cleaning and restoration franchise nationally according to Entrepreneur. When a natural disaster such as hurricanes or flooding hits our region, we can rely on the SERVPRO network to provide extra equipment and crews to help us get the restoration job done as quickly as possible for our customers. We also adhere to quality standards and training such as IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) industry certification and ongoing education for our technicians.
It's a great distinction to be recognized as the top cleaning & restoration franchise and we strive to deliver customer satisfaction and quality work every day. If you have an emergency, give us a call at (352)374-6589 and we will do our best to make it "Like it never even happened."
Why Choose SERVPRO Gainesville for Fire/Water/Mold Remediation? Ask Our Customers!
2/12/2021 (Permalink)
Why choose SERVPRO for emergency fire & water cleanup and mold remediation? Just ask our customers - check out our customer reviews!
As a locally owned and operated Gainesville cleaning/restoration business, quality work and customer satisfaction are top priorities for us here at SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua County West. Led by husband and wife team Mark & Becky Raymond, we’ve been helping our community with certified mold remediation, emergency fire and water damage cleanup, and commercial/residential cleanings for over 13 years.
We often meet customers in moments of crisis, when their homes or businesses have been damaged by fire, flooding, or mold, and we appreciate it when customers choose us and trust us to take care of their biggest assets. We take great pride in working efficiently without sacrificing quality work, to make it "Like it never even happened."
Why choose SERVPRO Gainesville/Alachua County West for emergency restoration?
We know hearing it straight from our actual customers is more meaningful, so check out some of our five star Facebook and Google reviews:
“I highly recommend SERVPRO of Alachua County West. This company is run by 2 people that know the meaning of integrity and know how to take care of their employees which translates to their employees having integrity and the employee always doing the right thing when it comes to taking care of their customers. I encourage any business or home owner to reach out to SERVPRO of Alachua County West for any mitigation, restoration, or cleaning need they might have.” -- Michael M.
“The customer service and help has been exceptional. I've never dealt with a better company.” -- Noella C.
“Excellent service and fast to respond. Our entire office building was flooded and they were there within 20 minutes of calling them. Very friendly and competent - I highly recommend them.” -- Laurel P.
It means so much to our family-run business when our customers take the time to leave positive reviews or recommend us to friends and family. Prioritizing customer service and quality work is what has helped keep us in business these past 13 years and counting.
Our team is always ready to help with your mold remediation/water loss/fire damage emergency, or give you a hand and lighten your load with our commercial and residential cleaning services.
We are here to help 24/7 at 352-374-6589!
Protecting Your Business in Times of Disaster
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Be prepared and schedule your business for an Emergency Ready Profile today!
No one plans for their business to catch on fire in the middle of the night or have a pipe break in the restroom that floods your sales floor. But these things happen, and you need to have a quick-action emergency plan to get up and running again as soon as possible.
According to FEMA, nearly 40 to 60 percent of businesses never reopen following a disaster. The businesses that do survive usually had a preparedness plan in place. So
SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West has your back and, by utilizing our free Emergency Ready Profile tool, we can help get your business operational, so you don’t have to become the next negative statistic.
Preparation is the key to making it through any sized disaster, whether it is a large fire or area flood, or just a minor water leak. Having an Emergency Ready Profile at your fingertips may help minimize the time your business is inactive.
Advantages of SERVPRO READY PROFILE:
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- Establish your local SERVPRO professionals as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of a chain of command for authorizing work to begin
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and contact information
Call SERVPRO today at 352-374-6589 to schedule your ERP today. We not only want to get you prepared for a potential disaster, but we also want to be there to help you get through your disaster and make it “Like it never even happened.”
Problems with mold in your Gainesville home
11/18/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO's trained technicians can remediate your mold problem in a timely manner.
Mold occurs naturally almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors, and this makes it nearly impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level.
In Florida, with the high humidity and temperatures, it is the perfect environment for mold to emerge – especially if your air conditioning unit goes out or you have a leak you are unaware of inside a wall or under a sink or appliance, like your refrigerator, washing machine or dishwasher.
Here are five areas to be aware of to avoid mold scenarios:
- Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall wood, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
- Mold in your home can require cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, removal, or other treatment, of mold or mold-contaminated matter.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 24 to 72 hours and quick action to deal with the problem is critical.
If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West can assist you. Our technicians are trained in mold remediation and we can have your property restored in a timely manner and make it “Like it never even happened.”
This Is The Reason For "Why SERVPRO"
9/30/2020 (Permalink)
Helping people is our what we do.
In one of our recent jobs that we finished in September, we were blessed to have our customer write the following email to our owners about the job we performed. It is responses like this that justify why we are in the business of helping restore people's lives during times of tragedy:
I am writing to express my sincerest appreciation for the following members of your team:
Nikki Schellpepper
CJ
Jason
Billy
Travis
Lee
Furnell
If possible, I would like this letter shared with them to express my gratefulness for their superior work.
My father suddenly passed away this month and immediately after his death I discovered his house was a horror scene. From the moment I called your office and spoke with CJ, he handled my panic with the utmost respect and concern. In fact, he sent a technician out to my father’s house the same day to walk through the home, assess the damage and provide an estimate. I was horrified and embarrassed at the situation, and CJ and the technicians that came to the house never once made me feel uncomfortable. In fact, they handled it so professionally that they made me feel like this was just a “normal” job.
When I went to the house to do a walk-through after the technicians finished cleaning, I was completely speechless. The house was absolutely beautiful, all the horrendous smells were gone, and the team had done an incredible job. On top of the thorough cleaning and spotless work, the technicians even took the time to fix the clogged kitchen sink, fix a broken kitchen cabinet and organize the cabinets! They took great care of all of the personal items inside the home, including organizing a dirty china cabinet. The time and detail the technicians put into the job showed in the quality of the work; they far exceeded my expectations. After I walked through the home, I told my family that your technicians were angels sent from heaven. I would like to thank Jason, Billy, Travis, Lee and Furnell for turning a complete nightmare back into a home.
I also wanted to highlight the work of Ms. Schellpepper. I called your office nearly every single day for weeks with questions and status and she was so kind to me. She answered every question I had and was always polite and professional, even when I was stressed and anxious. She even provided contact information for a flooring company and pest control agency to assist me with the home.
I give my highest recommendation to your company and your team members. The work you do is extremely difficult, and yet you found a way to bring joy to me in my time of grief and despair.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Michelle H.
And thank you, Michelle, for the appreciation, the kind words, and taking the time to send us this letter we could share with our franchise.
Is Your Kitchen Safe From Fires?
9/4/2020 (Permalink)
The kitchen is one of the most hazardous rooms in your home if not properly maintained and handled safely.
Fires in the kitchen can quickly escalate. Stay safe and call SERVPRO after the fire is under control to begin the remediation process.
Your kitchen has the potential to be the most dangerous room in your home. It holds many hazards which can cause unintentional fires and burns. There are some basic safety rules you can follow to keep your kitchen free from hazards. If you have experienced a kitchen fire, you need the professional help of our technicians at SERVPRO. We are a trained and experienced fire damage remediation company who has the tools required to restore your home after a fire.
The first thing you should always have in your Gainesville kitchen to prevent fire damage is a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. A smoke detector also needs to be installed and maintained regularly. Any cleaning products should be stored away from children, and do not leave a heat source or fire unattended.
Stove and Oven
Clean your range and oven regularly and thoroughly. This prevents residual grease and food from catching fire. While cooking, keep pot handles turned inward away from the stove’s edge. Do not wear loose, long sleeves which can hang over the stove while cooking. Keep your eye on the oven at all times when it is on and turn it off when you are done cooking.
Flammable items such as dish rags, towels, and curtains should not be near the stove. Also, be cautious with flammable liquids, since a small spark can ignite vapors from these fluids.
Microwave Ovens
Ensure all vents are clear of obstructions and the microwave has enough space for air circulation. Do not put foil or other metals in the microwave oven, as they can create sparks and fires.
Appliances
Do not use appliances which have not been tested and approved by a recognized facility. Keep electrical outlets from being overloaded and check for broken or worn wiring regularly. Make any needed repairs in a timely fashion and keep cords on the counter so they do not get pulled down accidentally.
Deep Fryers and Frying Pans
The best thing to prevent fryer fires is to use a fryer with a controlled thermostat. Do not allow grease and fat buildup in pans or on the stove since they can easily catch fire. When SERVPRO arrives at your home, we assess the damage first, including any smoke, soot and/or water damage. Before we begin any remediation, we go over the plan with you so you can understand all that is happening.
Call on SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West at 352-374-6589. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to start working on your home or business kitchen fire and make it "Like it never even happened."
New Testing Equipment Helps Ensure Cleanliness
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
Our new testing ensures our customers that we are properly disinfecting.
When SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua County West arrives to do a disinfectant cleaning for your business or residence, we are now armed with a testing device that allows us to detect how effective we are in sanitizing your location.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation earlier this year, we researched equipment that would assist us in providing the best cleaning value for our customers who contacted us to say that their business or residence had a potential or confirmed coronavirus scenario that needed addressed.
One of the tools we purchased is the Hygiena SystemSure Plus luminometer testing device, where we swab non-soiled high touch points around rooms (doorknobs, light switches, heavily used flat surfaces in kitchens, dining areas, etc.) prior to cleaning and measure the initial ATP count. After we finish our in-depth disinfectant cleaning, we re-swab the exact touch-point areas and check the new ATP count to see how effective we were in decreasing the biological matter.
The key feature of ATP monitoring systems is the use of bioluminescence technology to identify and measure adenosine triphosphate, commonly known as ATP. ATP is an energy molecule found in all plant, animal, and microbial cells. All organic matter (living or non-living) contains ATP, including food, bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. In industries where hygiene control or cleanliness is crucial, ATP testing is an excellent tool for detecting and measuring biological matter that will be significantly reduced after cleaning.
It takes only seconds to give us an accurate ATP count once the swab is pressed firmly onto the testing surface and brushed in a crisscross pattern around a 4-inch by 4-inch radius to gather a good sample size. Using this technology helps to ensure we are doing a good job cleaning and gives our customer the peace of mind that the area we have treated is safer than when we arrived.
To schedule a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation, call SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589.
How Do You Handle A Sewage Backup?
7/23/2020 (Permalink)
Sewage backups occur for various reasons. Let us help clean up the biohazard scene and get your home or business back to normal.
Water damage is challenging enough when you are dealing with a burst or broken pipe, but it gets even more challenging when you are grappling with a sewer backup. Black Water requires special methods for a safe and secure cleanup.
Cleaning up after a flooded toilet or septic system backup means not only drying the area and cleaning the home furnishings and belongings, but also disinfecting all the affected areas. That’s why it is essential to work with a professional sewer cleanup service like SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West that has the tools to handle the job.
Discovering the Problem
1. Turn off the water to the toilet or other appliance affected by the sewage backup.
2. Contact the cleanup service and your insurance carrier.
3. Keep pets and kids clear of the affected areas.
4. Contact repair services to fix the cause of the backup.
Any cleanup that requires thorough disinfection as part of its process presents a strong risk to well-being from unprotected exposure. We advise that you make sure to minimize any human exposure to the affected areas of your home until after you have gotten professional help with sewer cleanup following the accident. Our SERVPRO crew dons PPE personal protective equipment before we begin the treatment.
Using Sewer Backup Cleaning Specialists
Water damage and restoration companies carry certifications that tell you what kinds of emergencies they are certified to handle. When you are dealing with a flooded toilet or a sewer that has backed up, you need to find a company whose employees are qualified to deal with sewage and other biohazards. That way, you know they can apply the proper disinfectant cleaning protocols during your cleanup.
Repairing Your Plumbing
You may need to line up a plumbing service in addition to your cleaning service, but not always. If you do need a plumber, make sure you let the cleaning crew finish, so any contaminated areas are disinfected. When sewer cleanup goes first, the repair can be completed more quickly and efficiently.
Consider SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West as a local company that can make you feel "Like it never even happened." (352) 374-6589.
Every Business Needs a Disaster Plan
6/12/2020 (Permalink)
It's better to be prepared than not have an emergency plan in place when disaster strikes.
Many business owners are caught off guard when disaster strikes. Thinking that it would never happen to them or never even considering the possibility of a disaster, they fail to have a plan in place for their business.
Unfortunately, many times, once disaster strikes, it’s too late. Many businesses are forced to close permanently after disaster because they were not prepared. With hurricane season upon us once more, please take the time to protect your business with a few ideas from below.
According to foxbusiness.com, there are 7 steps you can take if you are a small business owner to help protect your business from disaster.
1. Risk Assessment: Determine what types of emergencies are most likely to affect your company and then evaluate your level of preparedness. Check in with your insurance company, make sure employees are trained for emergencies, have data backed up and stored at a safe location.
2. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Talk with your insurance agent to make sure your business is covered if hit by disaster. After determining what types of emergencies your business is most prone to, make sure your policy covers those particular types of situations. Ask about business interruption insurance which helps business owners continue to pay on-going bills while operations are shut down during disaster recovery.
3. Create a Contingency Plan: Review your business operations and determine which are most important for the survival of your business. Form a process to manage these functions in the event of a disaster. Determine an alternate business location where business operations can continue during the recovery process.
4. Create a Communications Plan: Disasters create chaos and having a communications plan in place in advance will help minimize panic.
5. Back Up Your Data: Making sure all your data is backed up and stored in a safe place is critical. Cloud-based data solutions are best as they stay safe during disasters and can be accessed from any location.
6. Build an Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit available on site including items like water, flashlights, fire extinguishers, etc.
7. Review and Rehearse You Plan: Once your plan is in place, make sure your employees know the plan and have practiced implementing it.
While disasters can be devastating to a business, preparation can definitely help in the recovery process. By taking action before disaster strikes and getting a plan in place, business owners can help protect their business in times of emergencies.
If you need help with either water, fire, or mold scenarios, or you just need advice on how to better prepare your business to limit or avoid disasters with our Emergency Ready Profile, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589.
We are Cleaning Experts
3/23/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to clean your business or home.
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today at SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West at 352-374-6589.
Why SERVPRO? Because we do not participate in National Blame Someone Else day.
3/20/2020 (Permalink)
It's Friday at SERVPRO
Not everyone is superstitious, yet most people feel impending doom when they see Friday of that week is the 13th day of the month, but did you know that the first Friday the 13th of a new year is also National Blame Someone Else Day? Luckily, we are not superstitious here at SERVPRO, and although we like celebrating wacky national holidays (Friday, 3/13 is also national Smart & Sexy Day and we do celebrate that), we don’t believe in blaming someone else.
SERVPRO takes pride in the fact that we are at the forefront of the mitigation, restoration, and remediation industry. Many of our competitors try to imitate our work processes, but not only were we first with many of the technologies, that also means we have had more time to perfect our crafts and are constantly evolving within the industry as standards change, update, or new technology and information becomes available. This is what makes SERVPRO the premier cleaning and restoration company compared to our competitors. It also leaves very little margin for mistakes and makes one customer’s job consistent with the next.
We are however human, and in the case that one of our customers is not satisfied or we do make a mistake, we would never blame someone else. We pride ourselves not only on our industry knowledge, but also for our customer service, integrity, and honesty. We believe that our core values are what sets the bar above our competition not only as a service provider, but also as a member of our community and surrounding communities. Our number one priority is our customers and making it “Like it never even happened.”
Why SERVPRO? It's because everyone who is part of the SERVPRO family.
12/12/2019 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO family
When it comes to choosing a restoration company out of so many companies out there, it can seem a daunting task. We here at SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West are no strangers to the familiar question: Why should I choose SERVPRO? In all reality, that is a super easy question, because there are lots of whys. I could probably spend hours in deep conversation with a potential customer telling them all the reasons why they should choose us, but if I had to choose just one thing, that one thing that is at the core of all the other reasons, it would be the building blocks of what we are, our employees.
It begins with the owners and trickles all the way down from management, office, marketing, and our production staff. We like to say around here that everyone is part of the SERVPRO family and that includes our customers and clients as well. Many of us here at SERVPRO have been in the shoes of our customers and even in situations that are not personally experienced by our employees we try to treat our customers with empathy at all times, imagining if it were ourselves in that very situation. We feel that you can be on the forefront of technology, have the best equipment and training as well as being backed over 1700 franchises, but at the end of the day it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if you don’t have the right people utilizing those assets. One of our core values sums up how operate day to day:
We strive to act as a whole with moral principles including honesty, humility, empathy, positivity, trustworthiness, respectfulness, and loyalty.
Without these values we cannot ever achieve real success as a company or individually because we are in an honorable profession helping people restore their lives. Luckily as a company we have had many successes and that all comes down to each individual here at SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West.
Don't throw out those water-logged documents!
12/2/2019 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO dry and restore your important files.
You just had a fire or a flood and your house or business is a mess. Not only is there structural damage, but you now realize you have books and important paper documents that are soaked. How will you get these items dried and restored?
That is where SERVPRO comes into action! We are trained and certified in document drying and restoration and can help in stopping the damage from getting worse. Time is of the essence as the longer the documents are soaked or charred, the faster they will deteriorate.
Our technicians are able to box up your damaged items and have them sent to our Document Restoration Team. We have special vacuum freeze-drying technology to salvage your items books and/or paper records. We use the same technique the Library of Congress uses to dry water-damaged books.
The vacuum freeze drying is the most effective way to revive water-damaged documents and is called sublimation -- a technique that turns the moisture in the object directly into vapor, skipping the liquid stage to avoid causing more damage. The process can recover even the most delicate items – from documents to photographs and x-rays, to entire business archives. All of our Document Restoration Team employees are HIPAA master certified and, once your items arrive to our SERVPRO headquarter facility, they are under 24/7 video surveillance to ensure safety.
And if your items may have been exposed to a Category 3 situation (sewage or flood water), we also have the ability to put the items through gamma irradiation, which is a process that cleans and disinfects the documents. This decontamination eliminates all types of bacteria at the molecular level, causing the death of any organisms. And the gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity onto your items.
SERVPRO understands how important it is to preserve important documents and our line of services ensures that you don’t have to worry about what happens to your paper assets when disaster strikes.
If you need sensitive materials restored, contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589.
Holiday tips if you are traveling or staying at home
11/25/2019 (Permalink)
Happy holidays from SERVPRO.
Why use SERVPRO? Because we care enough to help you think ahead during the busiest time of the year. With Thanksgiving approaching and Christmas and New Year’s Eve around the corner, families are either preparing to travel, just stay put, or both. Depending on which camp you fall under, there are a few things you need to be ready for.
Traveling
If you are planning on going out of town for one of the upcoming holidays, it’s wise to check a few things to elevate the stress of returning home to a potential flooding disaster. Look at your pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, leading to your freezer ice maker, and also your water heater. If you notice any cracks or leaks, make sure to get them fixed.
Outside, you need to make sure your gutters are cleaned and draining properly. And inspect your sump pump and clear out any debris, test it by filling the sump pit and turning on the pump. Last but not least, look over your window seals and check your roof for any leaks, especially if you are expecting any rain or snow storms while gone.
Doing these little things can hopefully prevent water damage. And another reminder, if you don’t have anyone checking on your home while you are gone, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just turn the water supply off the water main to your home and drain the pipes.
Staying home – time to clean!
Maybe you’re just staying home and you’re hosting family and friends for one of the many holidays, but your house could use a good cleaning. You can reach out to us and we can come over and remove those stains that have accumulated over the months in your carpet or on your furniture. Or maybe there’s a peculiar odor emanating from your vents that needs addressed?
We are ready to come to your rescue and keep you from embarrassment as people enter your home to enjoy the festivities. And that would be one less thing you have to worry about that we can take off your lengthy to-do list at this time of year.
If you have any water damage to address, or if you just need some cleaning done, please contact us at SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West at 352-374-6589.
Why SERVPRO should be your restoration company
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO can clean up this mess!
Catastrophes never happen at an opportune time. Your cat knocks over a candle, setting your curtains ablaze leading to fire and smoke damage. An unseen pipe joint in your bathroom wall bursts, unleashing gallons of water throughout your house. A leaky hose under your kitchen sink gradually soaks your cabinet, leading to a major mold issue.
In that moment of panic after the fire is extinguished, the water flow is stopped and the mold is discovered, the next decision is, “who is going to get this fixed and make my disaster "Like it never even happened." so I can get back to life as normal?”
Timeliness
The first thing you want is someone who can be contacted at any time of the day to make sure your problem is addressed immediately. SERVPRO follows the 1-4-8 guidelines of arranging service in less than an hour of receiving your call. And in less than four hours, a SERVPRO technician will be on-site to start the mitigation services (if emergency services are necessary). And in less than eight business hours, your insurance adjuster will be given a verbal briefing as to the scope of your project. The faster a disaster is addressed, the quicker it can be restored and less damage will occur.
Experience
With more than 1,700 franchises nation-wide, SERVPRO has been in the mitigation business for more than 50 years and has the knowledge, equipment and manpower to tackle any size project. SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West always has a crew on standby and, if needed, we can attain more boots on the ground depending on the size of the disaster. Remember, this is the same restoration company that not only handles hurricanes and other inclement weather damage, but we are also the ones who were called when the Pentagon was attacked on 9-11. We have also worked on several military bases, for Universal Studios, Disneyworld, NASA and Coca Cola.
Professionalism
SERVPRO trains its technicians in how to best handle every situation, to use the most up-to-date equipment and restore your home or business quickly and efficiently. We will keep you informed every step of the way by providing electronic file documentation to both you and your insurance adjuster that includes the job estimate, cause of loss and proof of results.
As we observe National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we are reminded of “Why SERVPRO”.
5/6/2019 (Permalink)
Just one forecast for the 2019 hurricane season.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5th through May 11th in 2019. This is just another national holiday to remind home and business owners why SERVPRO of Alachua County West should be in their Hurricane preparation plans.
Did you know?
- The hurricane season of 2017 broke several records, as 17 tropical storms formed in the Atlantic Basin, with ten of these becoming hurricanes. Six hurricanes became major storms, Category 3 and above—Harvey, Irma, Jose, Lee, Maria and Ophelia.
- Two of these hurricanes, Irma and Maria, reached Category 5 strength.
- The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was the first time three Category 4 hurricanes (Harvey, Irma and Maria) made landfall in the United States and its territories in one year.
- The year 2017 has 3 of the 10 costliest hurricanes in a 10 year cycle, Maria #2, Irma #3, and Harvey #4. These figures do not include Hurricanes Florence or Michael of 2018 because the numbers are still preliminary at best.
- Florida has been affected by 6 out of 10 of the most costly hurricanes as of 2017, more than any other state.
So what does this have to do with “Why SERVPRO”?
- SERVPRO is the largest restoration company in the world with over 1700 franchises to date. That’s more than any other restoration company.
- SERVPRO has dedicated storm teams located in specific regions in the U.S. These teams, coordinate hundreds of franchises in affected areas and a fast response time to any disaster.
- SERVPRO has their own state of the art software, as well as years of experience in the restoration industry which puts us a step above out completion.
- SERVPRO franchises are locally owned and operated which means we are not just a business operating in your area, we are also your neighbor.
Now you know just a few of the reasons why you need to have SERVPRO of Alachua County West’s number handy when preparing for the new hurricane season. We’re not just a name you can trust, but a family you can trust.
We're not just a brand you can trust, but a family you can trust!
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO of Alachua County West Team
SERVPRO of Alachua County West is a local, family owned franchise here in North Central Florida. Owners Mark & Becky have been in business for 11 years and have also had their children along for the ride. Their son, Jason, is the Production Manager. He also has his contractors license which allows our company to clean-up and restore damages.
"All of our employees are all like family" Becky says, and with that mentality we also treat our customers like family.
When you choose SERVPRO, you are choosing a brand that knows how to take care of any situation with the upmost care and integrity. We will always do our best to make your disaster or even just your carpet cleaning "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO Understands
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO ACW
Why should you choose SERVPRO?
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals blend customer service and accountability with proven methods of mitigating damage after a loss. We use the highest quality equipment including our online reporting system to help our staff work faster and more efficiently.
We do the work for you
When you experience a loss, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours cleaning up, or on the phone. SERVPRO of Alachua County West would be happy to take that stress from you and take care of everything. You can rely on us to take care of all the little details.
SERVPRO of Alachua County West is highly trained and capable of handling any job. Whether your toilet overflowed, your building caught fire or you just need that sofa cleaned, SERVPRO will take care of it!
We are Faster to Any Size Disaster
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
We will always be there
SERVPRO of Alachua County West is a 24/7 Emergency Service that provides the fastest service and better customer satisfaction. We understand the longer you wait, the worse the damage.
Our motto "Faster to Any Size Disaster" is what our company stands for. SERVPRO will get there, ready to work and willing to help in any way possible.
A recent customer review from Laurel P. says "Excellent service and fast to respond. Our entire office building was flooded and they were there within 20 minutes of calling them. Very friendly and competent - I highly recommend them."
We are trained to be detailed throughout the restoration process and to keep you informed. No reason to worry about what's going on. Our technicians will be talking to you and explaining everything as they go.
Whatever your situation might be, SERVPRO of Alachua County West is always the right choice!
We Love our Community
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
Owners Mark & Becky Raymond at the Touch-A-Truck event at Santa Fe College
Yes! We are Local
SERVPRO of Alachua County West is owned and operated by Mark & Becky Raymond. Their oldest son, Jason, is the Project Manager. They have lived in this community for many years and love being able to take care of everyone in it!
We enjoy giving back to the community whenever possible! SERVPRO of Alachua County West is a proud donor to the United Way, who helps so many organizations here in North Central Florida.
The whole SERVPRO team is like a family. We work hard and have enjoyed serving Alachua and surrounding counties for the last 11 years. Our office is located right in the heart of Gainesville, near Butler Plaza. You might have even seen our BIG green RV by I-75 near the Archer Rd exit.
If you do ever see our big green trucks, wave hello to our hard working techs.
Because We Care
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
Emergency Services available 24/7/365
Why Should you choose SERVPRO?
Because..
When you call and need help... we care
When you have questions... we care
When you don't know what to do... we care
SERVPRO of Alachua County West cares about you and your home or business. Our team is dedicated to making sure every job is done with the best products and services. All of our customers are important and will be treated with the upmost respect.
Taking care of disasters is hard work, but so rewarding. Every time we are finished and get to see someone smile, it makes all that hard work so worth it!
We care because we want to! When you need compassionate, honest, hard working people, just remember SERVPRO of Alachua County West.
We are the Experts
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
What do you get when you call SERVPRO?
SERVPRO of Alachua County West has the expertise to answer all of your questions. We not only take the time to explain our process, but also make sure you understand it as well.
When you call, you will talk to a SERVPRO professional. We will listen, empathize and help you solve the problem.
Our equipment is the BEST!
SERVPRO has the most effecient equipment available. Our equipment cannot be found in a store, only SERVPRO has it. That's why we are your trusted industry leader.
For example: A Water Extraction job - Our Air Movers will move the air faster, the Dehumidifiers will dry it up quicker and our Technicians will use the top of the line Moisture Meters to check deep within any surface.
Our staff is Experienced
SERVPRO has been in business for 51 years, and here in Alachua County for 40 years. We know the right way to take care of your home or business and want to ensure that the job is done right.
We are proud of the work we do and will continue to work hard so you don't have to!
24/7 Emergency Service
